Northern Arizona University vs Ottawa University-Surprise: which has better ROI?
Northern Arizona University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,632 in 9.4 years versus 18.6 years at Ottawa University-Surprise, on median earnings of $54,384 vs $55,552 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Northern Arizona University | Ottawa University-Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,158 | $33,393 |
| Total net cost | $56,632 | $133,572 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,384 | $55,552 |
| Median debt | $19,000 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 9.4 yrs | 18.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $63,848 | $10,268 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Northern Arizona University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Northern Arizona University, at $14,158 a year after aid versus $33,393 — a gap of $19,235 a year, or $76,940 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Northern Arizona University or Ottawa University-Surprise graduates earn more?
Ottawa University-Surprise graduates report a median $55,552 ten years after entry, $1,168 more than the $54,384 at Northern Arizona University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Northern Arizona University or Ottawa University-Surprise?
Northern Arizona University: its completers carry a median $19,000 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Ottawa University-Surprise, a difference of $2,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
61% of students finish at Northern Arizona University, against 18% at Ottawa University-Surprise. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.